Environmental Compliance and Commercial Real Estate

When thinking about the environmental aspects of most commercial most often thought as phase I, II and III site assessments in relation to identifying contamination and cleanup methods.

Many property owners think this is just a routine commercial office or any other type of property, not something like a manufacturing facility utilizes the subject of concern. What types of commercial real estate have at least some environmental rules:!. Almost all

And it is not just a property owner who has to meet several conditions apply lessee

Just a few examples of the many ways the commercial may have environmental compliance rules:

cleaning supplies are new? If container labeling and information requirements.

is a total of more than 1,320 liters of petroleum products on the site (ex: heating oil, diesel fuel)? If so Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan may be required.

Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) license for restaurants waste water discharges to the sewer system.

How to determine site requirements ? Should I hire a professional? The answer depends on the situation and complexity, along with in-house expertise and resources; similar to preparing taxes when determining whether you need to hire an accountant or CPA. In addition to certain environmental plans, permits and forms need a certificate as a Professional Engineer.

How is environmental compliance game? The first step is carried out regulatory assessment or audit of the site to determine the appropriate policies and areas of concern to grasp go.

A proposed next step is to look at ways to avoid requirements; this does not mean to ignore the rules, as later discussed ignoring the requirements can lead to significant potential problems and associated costs. Then prepare and implement action, such as existing paperwork, labeling, plans and permits. Often DOCUMENTATION of key.

How are rules to avoid? By using the exemptions incorporated into the environmental rules for good reasons. Examples include:

This may require a comprehensive approach as described in the overall waste management strategy prepared for the Auto Recycling Industry. By using various exemptions that enable reuse and recycling of various materials along with chemical time, little or no Hazardous Waste is generated, hence the site is classified in the least restrictive category. The overall results are: favorable environmental move, with less environmental compliance burdens; a win-win situation.

If rules can not avoid the possibility to either implement the necessary measures or choose ignore the approach and hope nothing happens.

What are some of the consequences for non-compliance?

Regulatory fines, penalties and action.

Adverse public perception.

If an incident occurs, collect the insurance; policy may have added provisions that allow for non-payment of the claim.

employee liabilities as Work Mans claims and lawsuits

contaminated property; either your own or a neighboring site

Problems and (or) excessive costs when attempting to sell or transfer of ownership.

What is this going to cost? A better question may be how much is this going to potentially cost of continuing non-compliance? It is always considerably more expensive to fight fires and to implement preventive measures. If 100 percent compliance is not originally practical and (or) economic feasibility, with a phased approach might be a better option than doing nothing. Obviously least expensive way is to ignore the rules and hope nothing happens and you do not get caught, do not set policy.

Why go further go? Obviously being a good corporate citizen and caring staff is important. Environmental Compliance and Waste Minimization can also be good business as: